Ms. Raygo

Elementary School Counseling Program

At Pittsville Elementary School we utilize a comprehensive school counseling program to address academic, personal/social, and career needs. This program can impact a student's attitudes towards learning and career goals and one's feelings toward self, family, and community. As students understand themselves, explore the world around them, and establish goals for their futures, they begin to see why education is important. They no longer attend school simply to receive a diploma or avoid truancy. Instead, students understand the connection between success in school today and success in their careers tomorrow.

What Is The Role Of A School Counselor?

Confidentiality

I provide a confidential helping relationship with a caring adult based on trust, respect, and compassion. Standards for professional ethics dictate that those who use the counseling service can be confident that the information they share will not be disclosed except under the following circumstances:

**Threats of violence or harm to self or others

**Suspected abuse

**Illegal activity

**Presence of alcohol/drugs or weapons on school grounds

Under these circumstances, the counselor will follow mandated reporting procedures and school district guidelines in acting in the best interests of the student by involving parents and/or others who can help. These confidentiality guidelines will be reviewed with all students at least once each school year.

HERE you will find the position statement about confidentiality from the American School Counselor Association.

Services Offered

Individual Counseling

If a student is facing a challenge they are able to meet with the counselor for one-on-one counseling. This service is meant to be brief, solution focused, and school related. If a student is facing a concern that is beyond this scope, parents will be informed of the need for a referral for additional services.

If a student is in need of individual counseling a referral can be made in various ways:

**Self Referral-Students are able to leave a note for the counselor explaining the need for a visit

**Teacher Referral-A teacher may see a specific behavior concern that is disrupting the student's time in the classroom

**Parent Referral-A parent may request that their child see the counselor by telephone, email, or scheduling a time to stop in talk in person

Small Group Counseling

A group of students in the same age range may be facing similar challenges and small group counseling sessions will be held. Small group counseling brings together individuals with one or more common issue(s) and it provides a safe place to explore and connect with those in similar circumstances. A small group encourages ventilation (members speak candidly about their feelings, concerns and views), validation and normalizing (acknowledging shared experiences) and usually helps participants feel less isolated, alone, and different from others. Topics will vary throughout the year based on the needs at any given time. If a student is selected to be in a group, a passive permission form will be sent home with information about the group.

Classroom Counseling Lessons

Every student in grades K-5 will have classroom guidance every other week (4K meets once per week). The topics discussed in classroom guidance vary by grade and may also deviate from class to class if a teacher recommends more time be spent on a specific topic. All classroom guidance and careers lessons are aligned with the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors to help assure that students are meeting their grade level benchmarks.

Some of the topics that are covered in classroom guidance & careers:

Academic

Test Taking Skills

Organization

Study Skills

Goal Setting

Following Directions

Career

Age appropriate employability skills, such as, problem-solving and working together

Assessments to match careers to interests, skills, and values

Exploring the 16 career clusters

Personal/Social

Conflict Resolution

Diversity

ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs)

Friendship

Managing Emotions

Personal Safety

School Counseling Program Vision Statement

The Pittsville School District counseling program envisions a future where all of our students have mastered the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their post-secondary goals. Our students will possess the necessary skills to be empathetic and compassionate towards others as well as independent and responsible adults. Our students will expect excellence of themselves and become contributing members of a community.

School Counseling Program Mission Statement

The mission of the School Counseling Program at Pittsville Elementary School is to provide equitable access to a comprehensive school counseling program for all students. This program helps develop

innovative students by delivering activities that promote positive academic, career, and social emotional development, strengthened through partnerships with parents and the community.

School Counselor Beliefs

Every student has the right to learn in a safe and respectful, supportive environment
Students learn in a variety of ways and styles
School Counselors will abide by the professional school counseling ethics advocated by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA)
Professional school counselors work as advocates to remove barriers to learning.
All students have the right to participate in a developmentally appropriate comprehensive school counseling program that is designed and delivered by a licensed professional school counselor

Role of the School Counselor from the American School Counselor Association